Rural residents say latest linked shooting too close to home

Published: February 7, 2004 7:00PM

COLUMBUS (AP) News that a shooting in rural central Ohio was the 21st linked in a series of sniper-style attacks has residents worried that traveling on area highways could be like driving down death row.

The shooting occurred 15 miles south of where most others happened along Interstate 270, expanding the snipers target area, Franklin County sheriffs Chief Deputy Steve Martin said Friday.

Ballistics tests showed the bullet that pierced a vans windshield Tuesday came from the gun used in at least eight shootings, including one that killed a car passenger in November, authorities said.

Aaron Adkins, 26, a contractor from South Solon, said he has started watching every overpass during his commute.

I work in Columbus, so driving home is like driving down death row, he said.

Bill Davis, 45, of Mount Sterling, said hes worried about his children.

Its too close to home. Ive got three little boys, said Davis, as he sipped coffee at a gas station Friday night. They watch for strange cars now. I wont let them go outside.

The van driver in the latest shooting, identified in a sheriffs report as John Caito of Bridgeville, Pa., in suburban Pittsburgh, thought a rock hit his windshield while he was driving on Interstate 71 about 2:10 p.m. Tuesday on his way home.

Caito later examined the windshield at home and realized a bullet could have caused a hole in the glass. He reported the damage later that day to Pennsylvania State Police, who sent a bullet fragment taken from the dashboard to Columbus investigators.

Caito could not be reached for comment Friday. A telephone listing for him could not be found.

The shootings have targeted cars, schools, buses and buildings mainly along the southern stretch of I-270, which circles Columbus. The shootings started in May, although most have occurred since October.

The previous shooting in the case was the only other one on Interstate 71, which intersects I-270. The man whose car was shot Jan. 22 said he thought the gunfire came from a highway overpass. He said he saw someone standing in shadows.

Investigators believe the latest shooting also came from an overpass, but Martin would not say why. The driver did not see anyone along the interstate and no evidence was found at the scene, Martin said.

The shootings in rural areas could make it easier for people to spot suspicious cars or activity, Martin said.

This person is still out there and every time this person or persons does something, the chance of us catching this individual or individuals is greater, he said.

Jay Butts, 27, of Mount Sterling, believes the shooter has branched out to rural areas to throw off investigators.

Its kind of uncomfortable because its probably someone from the city making it look less obvious, Butts said at a gas station Friday night. I guess you cant rule nothing out when it comes to crazy people.

More than 3,900 people have called in tips on the case, and investigators are looking into numerous people named in the calls, Martin said. Local businesses are offering a $60,000 reward.

Investigators also said Friday that they dont believe any of the people who have called 911 claiming to be the shooter are credible.